CHAPTER ONE

1.0 Introduction
1.1 Background of the Study
Electronic digital display system as used in this reports refers to a sign that uses
electronic hardware and software to display its copy, messages or images. Also, a
sign utilizing a fixed light source to provide a message  in text, images pictures,
and / or symbols that may appear to move or may appear as on/off messages. This
is contrast to traditional non-electronic signs where the copy displayed is
physically applied to the sign surface by printing, painting or otherwise attaching it
onto the sign. The materials or substrate to which the copy is applied is typically
paper, wood, plastic or the wall of a building.
Computer aided design is the modeling of physical system on computer
allowing both interactive and automatics analysis of design variant and the
expression of design in a form of suitable for manufacturing. This follows by
explaining the electronics display board as a device which is fast gaining wide
acceptance and application in the present days due to its ability to provide a very
high precision timing. This can be describe as an electro-mechanical system for
processing information in which the information is represented by physical
quantities, which are so constrained to take only discrete values than can be
referred to as binary signals.
In this design, we are implored the used of both hardware and software to bring
about the entire project. The hardware components are solely coordinated by the
AT 89551 electronics display chip while the C-programming language is used to
program the chip.
          In this modern time, solid materials have helped man to show that he really
exists by doing wonders in the world of electronics. One major development, made
possible by the enormous advances in solid state technology, is the “digital
revolution”. Circuits are designed to implement the basic digital logic functions
fundamental to all digital systems. Digital electronics therefore comprises the
design, manufacture and use of circuits for processing information in digital form
(Simpson, 2012).
          An information display is a way of providing information and it is also used
as an object for promotion. It can be seen in a form of cardboard or tarpaulin at
stores / shops, sign posts, placards, notice boards and electronic display boards.
But the advent of new technologies has made the information in the form of an
electronic display in the world of advertisements and promotions (Gupta, Shukla
and Nagwekar, 2013). The ability to display a short message can be useful
application to be available for any business. Electronic digital display system is
perfect for this application. It can be used for both indoor and outdoor which
makes it universal fit for any business or event. Electronic digital display system is
very efficient and cost effective way to spread messages to thousands of people,
without any personal contact or door to door sales. Light-Emitting Diode (LED) is
a solid state light source with several attractive properties for display application.
LED is a diode that gives off visible light when forward biased (Mehta and Mehta,
2014). It is chosen as the main component for displaying messages because, today
LED is the most energy efficiency example and other useful systems. 

1.2 Statement of the Problem

Due to limitation of the sign board or local sign board which could not display
clearly at night expect light shines on it, it is then necessary that electronic display
system is employed to counter the limits of the local sign board. The information
displayed on the local sign board is less attractive compared to the information
displayed using electronic display board.
Thus, researchers are prompted to tirelessly hold up to these challenges by
initiating some means of improving the above among which is the design and
construction of an electronic display board.
1.3 Aims of the study
The aim of the study is to construct and design an electronic display board.

1.4 Objectives of the Study

The main objective of this study is to design and construct an electronic display
board. Specifically this study will achieve the following:
1. To display “Great Nigerian students”
2. To use the electronic digital display system constructed as a sign post for
Benue State Polytechnic, Ugbokolo.
3. To have more knowledge on what electronic digital display system is all
about.
4. To know the benefits of electronic display board.
5. To design and realize the moving message display panel.

1.5 Significance of the Study

In all field of human endeavour, electronic digital display board plays very vital
role, such as means of advertisement, means of communication, presentations,
exhibitions, identification and direction. It is also used in giving warning or safety
instructions, such as warning signs, traffic signs, exit signs or signs conveying
rules and regulations. This project write-up will be a guide to future designing in a
related work.
1.6 Scope of the Study
This project covers the use of peripheral solid state electronic components
alongside with two major integrated circuits (ICs) namely NESSS timer and
CD4017 decade counter to solve above stated problems. It is limited to display
GREAT NIGERIAN.

1.7 JUSTIFICATION OF THE PROJECT

Due to the various problems encountered in the manual/analyze design and
construction of sign post for advertisement, there is every need for an automated
electronics display system that will solve this problem. This will ensure that
viewers get the adequate information that is displayed in good and attractive
colours. Though the manual/analog way of displaying information to the view of
the people is still targeted viewer are attracted. The height is which advertisement
in Nigeria have attained will be maintained if some of its design/construction
operation is computerized (electronics display board) especially the ones that has
to do with bigger companies. This will also maintain the good relationship between
the company and its numerous customers.
 CHAPTER TWO

2.0 Literature Review

2.1 Electronic Display Board

An electronic visual display, informally a screen, is a display device for

presentation of images, text, or video transmitted electronically, without producing
a permanent record. Electronic visual displays include television sets, computer
monitors, and digital signage. By the above definition, an overhead projector
(along with screen onto which the text, images, or video is projected) could
reasonably be considered an electronic visual display since it is a display device for
the presentation of an images, plain text, or video transmitted electronically
without producing a permanent record. They are also ubiquitous in mobile
computing applications like tablet computers, smartphones, and information
appliances. Electronic display board is a common device that is used to display
information. The information or messages are displayed using dot matrix. The
wireless system for dot matrix display is a method using Radio Frequency as
transmission medium. The system consists of two modules; transmitter and
receiver. The transmitter module is used by a user to place a message through an
input module such as keypad or keyboard. The information then transmitted using
RF technology to the receiver. It then will be decoded and displayed on electronic
notice board.

2.2 ORIGIN/HISTORY OF ELECTRONIC DISPLAY BOARD

Electronics display board system began as commercial electronic publishing

(electronic display) which started in the mid-1970s with the development of
databases of scientific, legal, and business information. These were used mainly by
information specialists in large companies and universities, and ran on mainframe
computers or minicomputers.

Few small businesses or people at home used form of electronic publication, since
the information itself was too specialized, and the software and hardware needed to
access it were too expensive. The consumer market for electronic publishing
(electronic display) really began with the development or GUIs and the CD-ROM
in the late 1980s. Some industry commentators expected that CD-ROM publishing
would revolutionize the publishing industry, but the market for CD-ROMs has
been slow to develop. With the exception of encyclopaedia and journal publishing,
the changes to the publishing industry brought about by electronic publishing have
been fairly limited so far. Some designers who adopted the new technology as soon
as it appeared found that the market was too small, and consequently they had to
scale down their electronic-publishing activities.

Designers who were initially too conservative, however, have found it hard to
catch area as reference, where electronic display could have benefited them.
Although most designers own the rights to a great deal of text and images, these
are often not held in digital format and have to be changed into machine-readable
form before being published electronically. Text and images must then be marked
up with some form of tagging, so that they can be accessed and manipulated.

2.3 MODULE OF ELECTRONIC DISPLAY BOARD

The system is divided into six modules. The modules are:

2.3.1 Transmitter

Transmitter is a device that is used to transmit signal to free space at certain

frequency. The signal source is modulated by carrier into a modulated signal to
ensure it is received by a receiver. The transmitter used in this project is FM-TX1
that operates at 433.92MHz.

The transmitter is designed to work in pair with receiver FM-RX1. With

additional simple antenna, the transmitter can be used to transmit data up to 200m
range. The range depends on several factors. One of the elements that is antenna
design. In theory, the 200m quote range is a reliable range over open ground using
¼ whip antenna at both end with 1.5m above ground. Smaller antenna, interference
or building will reduce the reliable range to 25-30m range. Increase the size of the
antenna and slower the data transfer will increase the reliable range.

2.3.2 Receiver

The receiver is used to receive signal from free space through the antenna. The
modulated signal is then demodulated to obtain the original signal. Demodulation
process is important to separate between carrier signal and modulating signal. Like
the transmitter, the frequency of receiver that used is 433.92MHz. The type of the
receiver is FM-RX1.

The characteristic of a receiver must be similar with transmitter. If the

characteristic is not equal, the data cannot be transferred to the receiver. FM-RX1
can receive data from FM-TX1 in the range of 200m in open and 25-30m when
there are obstacles. The range is also influenced by the size of the antenna and the
environment. The larger antenna, the better receive.

2.3.3 Antenna

Antenna is the most important part in wireless project. It is an interface between

the transmission line and the space to propagate electronic wave. It converts the
electrical energy into electromagnetic wave for transmitter. Similarly, on the
received side, the electromagnetic signal is converted back to electric signal.
Antenna is a passive device that power radiated by transmitting antenna cannot be
greater than the power entering the transmitter. The antenna is reciprocal that
means the same design can works equally well as a transmitting or a receiving
antenna. In this project there are three types of antenna that can be implemented in
the project. They are helical antenna, loop antenna and whip antenna.

Helical antenna is a wire coil antenna. This antenna is efficient because of small
size. It is designed by wounding 0.5mm enameled copper wire on a 3.2mm
diameter cylinder to form wire coil.

Loop antenna on the other hand, is a loop of PCB track, tuned by fixed or variable
capacitor to ground at the hot end. Loop antenna has a high immunity to proximity
detune but the performance is ineffective. On contrary, whip antenna is a wire rod
antenna, PCB track or combination connected directly to the transmitter or
receiver. The optimum length is 17cm(1/4 wave/433.92MHz). It is important to
ensure the antenna is well away from hot spot in the circuit to avoid serious
detuning. The antenna choice is important to ensure maximum performance

2.3.4 Encoder and Decoder

Encoder and decoder are used in the project to ensure only the intended receiver
receives the signal. This is due to the fact that the signal is broadcasted using radio
wave. Thus, it allows the signal to be received by any receiver with the same
frequency. The devices also play a role to convert data from parallel to serial and
conversely.

The type of encoder and decoder that will be used is this project is HT12E and
HT12D. Both of these devices have 255 possible addresses. Data transmitted use 4
bits while address uses 8 bits. Only the receiver with the same address as the
transmitter will receive the signal.

2.3.5 Keypad

Keypad is a device that is used to key in the data to microcontroller. The most
common keypad is 4X4 where it contains of 4 rows and 4 columns as shown in
figure 2.3.5 In order to simplify the design, a keypad encoder (74922) is used.
Table 2.3.5 is a simplified truth table of keypad encoder.

Figure 2.3.5: Key column and rows

Table 2.3.5: Truth table of keypad encoder

2.3.6 Microcontroller

MC68HC11 is the most widely used microcontroller in today’s technology. The

microcontroller can operate in four mode of operation. They are bootstrap mode,
single chip mode, special test mode and expanded mode. Due to the limited of the
input/output and memory, the expanded mode is used in this project.

Figure 2.3.6 is a simple block diagram for brief diagram on microcontroller

68HC11 expanded mode.

Latch EPROM
Microcontroller

74373 2764
68HC11

Decoder RAM
74138 6264

Figure 2.3.6: MC6811A1 expanded mode block diagram

Figure 2.3.6: Pin Configuration of 8X8 dot matrix

2.3.7 Liquid Crystal Display (LCD)

Liquid crystal display (LCD) is another common output device. There are various
type and model of LCD available in the market. One of them is given in figure
Table 2.3.7 shows the pin configuration for LCD.

Figure 2.3.7: LCD ACM 1602A panel

able 2.3: LCD pin configuration

.7
The role of LCD in the electronic notice board is to reveal the information at the
transmitter before it is transmitted. This will allow user to update, replace and
cancel the information.

Advantage of Electronic Display Board

Electronic Display Board is the absolute solution to generate better ROI from local
or global marketing. Electronic Display Screens can help you out in distinct ways;
have a look at some of the major points-

 Bright, Radiant and Attention-Grabbing Displays

This is one of the major advantages of Electronic Display Board that it has the
capabilities to grab the attention of audiences at the important venues and events.
Because of vivid and dynamic Electronic video display boards, your audiences
cannot ignore the advertisement.

 Control remotely

This is an exceptional thing which you haven’t heard about earlier. You will be
able to handle your advertisement which is displaying on various Electronic
Screens at any venues or location at the same time. It allows you to control
advertisements via a Wi-Fi connection with Billboards. Upload your content on
your displaying software and it starts running on your display screens at different
locations.

 Mobile Van Advertising

LED Display Screens are available for not only static advertisements, but they can
also influence by mobile van advertisements. We provide solutions for Mobile Van
Electronic Display Screens and Electronic Truck for huge advertisements.  We
have the quality products of Electronic Display to showcase advertisements
everywhere for multi-purposes. Electronic Bus Destination Screens are also used
for the purpose to showcase vivid and clear visuals.

 Low Maintenance Cost

Digital Billboards or Electronic Display Boards require low maintenance costs and
are highly durable in comparison with Traditional Billboards. These products are
highly resistant to damage. Electronic Display products to ensure you about the
quality and high potential display boards for a better endorsement of your
advertisements.

 Distinctive Content Opportunities

Electronic Display Board advertisement is a specific way to display your high-

quality content. Whether it is for Companies Ad promotion or core information
displayed by the government for the public on crossroads, the Electronic Display
Board plays a crucial role in making an impact over huge audiences.  Big seminars
and events seem attractive when their contents display on Electronic Screens. As
required, we set up a specific quality of Electronic products on time.

These days, the Electronic Display Board is gaining more applauds by companies
and they prefer Electronic Displays advertisements for targeting their customers
via local and global marketing. One of the biggest benefits of installing Electronic
Display screens is they can be fitted anywhere because of its flexibility. Digital
Electronic Display Board is a great tool to advance your brand in public. It is used
widely for various public sector purposes like in railway current status display
boards, Stock Marketing, for weather conditions, and many more.
Types of Dot Matrix Display

Dot matrix display becomes more widely accepted because of its utilization
of the modern technology having abilities of displaying moving and static
text and images. There are two types of the dot matrix display; the LCD dot matrix
display and the LED dot matrix display. Due to the reoccurring problem
with the LCD and the difficulty with combining different display module,
the LED dot matrix display is the most common and most times when the word dot
matrix display is mentioned it directly refer to the LED dot matrix display.
The dot matrix display is a form of electronic digital display system which as
being used in the world of advertisement, in warning signs on roads, railway
lines and direction guides and location awareness . They are also made use
in public places such as hospitals, airport, bank, stock exchange, bus stand,
restaurant, etc.
 CHAPTER THREE

3.0 Construction

The project comprised of 24 LED dot matrix modules which gives a dimension of
(2.1 × 6.3ft), connected together with many data cable and connectors and it is
powered by three 200W, 5V SMPS module which supplies power to each of the
module through power cables and connectors connected in parallel.

MATERIALS TO BE USED

For the successful completion of the project, the following materials were used,

 24 (16 x 32) LED module

 3 (200W) SMPS module
 1 TF-A6UW controller card
 An Aluminium Frame works
 24 Hub 12 Data cable
 25 power distribution cable
 ACO board
 Screws
 Power plugs
 PowerLED software.
 Wire
 Soldering iron
 Pliers
 Screw drivers

Design block diagram

The design block diagram indicates the stages involved and the working
operations of an Electronic display Board, linking both the software and
hardware parts. It shows the first stage which is the programming stage
from which instructions is being sent and this which is done by dedicated
user interface software which states what is to be displayed on the set of
modules. It also shows the power supply stage which is the heart of the operations
i.e., the power source which energizes the controller card and the led modules

Block Diagram of an Electronic Display Board

Operation of the System

The basic operation of the system is to send information from transmitter to
receiver and reveal the information on the dot matrix which is located a distance
away by using wireless technology. At the transmitter, the users key-in the
information by using keypad and the information will be displayed on the LCD.
The user may change, replace or even delete the information using the proper key.
If the user is satisfied with the data information, he can transmit the data to the
receiver by pressing appropriate key to send the information.
Then the data are transmitted using FM-TX1 transmitter as shown in figure 2.6.
The data normally are converted from parallel to serial and encoded before they are
transmitted. Antenna plays an important role to ensure all the data transmitted to
the destination.

Transmitter block diagram

At the receiver, the data is decoded and converted into parallel data. Then the data is transferred
to microcontroller and displayed on the dot matrix as shown in figure below.

Receiver block diagram